Adeche Atelier

🎙️ Hello, Afro Mythos family! It's Solomon and Adwoa here, and we're excited to offer you early access to an extraordinary episode of our podcast. This week, we're delving into a unique project in celebration of The National Gallery's 200th birthday: 'Mythology Reimagined: A Cross-Cultural Exploration.'

🌟 In today's episode, we explore the fascinating intersection of European and African mythologies, showcasing their intertwined themes, similarities, and differences. Our special guest, Ed Dickenson, a Gallery Educator at The National Gallery, joins us to bring his expertise and insights into these rich narratives.

📜 We begin with an in-depth discussion of two iconic European paintings inspired by Greek myths: Titian's Bacchus and Ariadne and Luca Giordano's Perseus Turning Phineas and His Followers to Stone. Ed provides detailed descriptions and historical context, revealing the mythological stories these masterpieces depict.

🎨 We then Reveal our own artistic responses, two paintings inspired by African mythology. We compare the love triangle of Oya, Sango, and Ogun from the Yoruba pantheon to Titian's work, and the Legend of Wagadou from the Ghana Empire to Giordano's dramatic scene. These stories explore themes of love, jealousy, rivalry, and fate, resonating deeply across both cultures.

🔗 Throughout the episode, we discuss the broader implications of cross-cultural understanding in art, considering how these narratives have shaped and continue to influence our world. Ed shares his thoughts on the enduring appeal of mythology in art and storytelling, reflecting on its role in contemporary society.

1 year ago | [YT] | 4